Cerium(IV) hydroxide, with the chemical formula Ce(OH)4, is an inorganic compound composed of the rare-earth metal cerium and hydroxide ions (OH-). Cerium is in its +4 oxidation state in this compound.

Properties of Cerium(IV) Hydroxide:

• Appearance: Cerium(IV) hydroxide is a pale yellow to light brown solid, depending on its purity and hydration state.
• Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water.

Preparation and Reactions: Cerium(IV) hydroxide can be prepared by oxidizing cerium(III) hydroxide with a strong oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide:

Ce(OH)3 + H2O2 → Ce(OH)4

However, cerium(IV) hydroxide is unstable in water and tends to undergo hydrolysis to form cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2) and water:

Ce(OH)4 → CeO2 + 2H2O

Applications: Cerium(IV) hydroxide itself does not have significant commercial applications due to its instability in water. Instead, cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2), also known as ceria, is the more widely used cerium-based material with various applications, including catalysis, glass polishing, and solid oxide fuel cells.

Safety Considerations: As with all chemicals, cerium(IV) hydroxide should be handled with care, and safety precautions should be followed. It is essential to consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific safety information.